Girls Unit "821" Debut The name was given by Makoto Shinohara (video available)

The debut press conference for the girl group "821 (Honey)", formed by winners of the 43rd "Horipro Talent Scout Caravan" held in 2018, took place in Tokyo on January 24th. The five members—Ao, Kanna, Reia, Yurina, and Riko (ages 12 to 15)—appeared at the press conference and announced the release of their 1st digital single "WHO" (Universal Music) on February 28.

From left: Yurina, Kanna, Aoi, Reia, Riko

The unit name "821" originates from the 142nd prime number, "821". It was chosen to signify the unit's aspiration to be unique and irreplaceable, with each member shining as a special, individual spark. Creative Director Makoto Shinohara, who named the unit and wrote the lyrics for their debut song "WHO," also attended the press conference. He expressed his future expectations, saying, "I'm looking forward to seeing how each member's distinct colors and personalities will emerge."
The composition was handled by world-renowned music producer Ollipop.

From left: Creative Director Makoto Shinohara, Ribon Editor-in-Chief Soichi Aida

Regarding the unit, starting in March 2019, the shōjo manga "Kimi to Yumemiru Hitsuji" (author: Yuzuki Utano) in Ribon (Shueisha) depicted girls sharing the same names as the members growing through a talent audition. The final chapter (published November 30th of the same year) revealed it was a true story, featuring photos of the five members. Sōichi Aida, Editor-in-Chief of Ribon, who has watched the members since their audition, offered encouragement: "Many Ribon readers are striving toward their dreams, so they'll relate to the members' journey. I hope the members continue to become figures readers can entrust their dreams to."

Regarding their debut song, the youngest member, Aoi, introduced it: "It's our self-introduction song, packed with the message: 'This is what the group 821 is all about.'" Riko highlighted the key listening points: "It has a melody and rhythm you'll never forget once you hear it." Yurina spoke about the music video (premiering on YouTube on February 28th): "We worked hard on the fight scenes, so I hope people enjoy that part. It's a mysterious story, so you can enjoy it no matter how many times you watch it." Reia added, "It's an uplifting song, so I hope people listen to it when they're feeling down." Kanna, the oldest member, shared, "It's a song that gives a push to those aiming for something, so I want people who are working hard toward their dreams, just like us, to listen to it."
The members expressed their enthusiasm to challenge themselves in modeling and acting beyond music, calling out, "We appreciate your support!"

 

【1st Digital Single】
"WHO"
Composed by: Ollipop Lyrics by: Makoto Shinohara
Release Date: February 28, 2020 (Friday)
Distributor: Universal Music
Available only via download sales and major subscription services

■821 Official Website
■821 YouTube "821 Official"
■821 Official Instagram
■821 Official Twitter